Important Questions: Terms, Concepts & their Use in Sociology | Sociology Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Define social stratification.
Ans: Social stratification refers to the structured inequalities between groups in society, based on their access to material or symbolic rewards. It involves ranking individuals and groups in a hierarchy of status.

Q2: Name the four basic systems of stratification in human societies.
Ans: The four basic systems of stratification are slavery, caste, estate, and class.

Q3: What is the key characteristic of the caste system?
Ans: The caste system is a closed group in which social position is determined by birth. It has rigid rules regarding marriage, eating habits, and restricts social interactions.

Q4: How is the class system different from the caste system?
Ans: Unlike the caste system, the class system is open and based on social circumstances, not birth. It allows for occupational mobility and is less stable.

Q5: What are the two types of status in sociology?
Ans: In sociology, there are two types of status: ascribed status (assigned at birth) and achieved status (attained through merit and effort).

Q6: What does "role conflict" refer to in sociology?
Ans: Role conflict occurs when there is incompatibility among roles corresponding to multiple statuses, leading to conflicting expectations.

Q7: Define social control in sociology.
Ans: Social control refers to the methods and strategies used by society to regulate the behavior of individuals or groups, maintaining order through either formal or informal means.

Q8: Differentiate between formal and informal social control.
Ans: Formal social control involves codified, systematic mechanisms like law and the state, while informal social control is personal, unofficial, and uncodified, relying on gestures, expressions, and social norms.

Q9: What are sanctions, and how do they relate to social control?
Ans: Sanctions are modes of reward or punishment used to reinforce socially expected behavior. Positive sanctions reward good behavior, while negative sanctions enforce rules and restrain deviance.

Q10: Define deviance in sociology.
Ans: Deviance refers to actions that do not conform to the norms or values held by the majority of members in a group or society. What is considered deviant can vary across cultures and time periods.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q11: Explain the concept of social stratification and its impact on individuals and society.
Ans: Social stratification is the existence of structured inequalities in society, ranking individuals and groups based on access to rewards. It impacts every aspect of life, including health, education, work, and political influence, leading to unequal distribution. This hierarchy can result in disparities and hinder social mobility.

Q12: Compare and contrast the caste and class systems as forms of social stratification.
Ans: Caste System:

• Based on birth.
• Closed group with rigid rules.
• Determines occupation and restricts marriage.
• Hinders democracy and nationalism.

Class System:

• Based on social circumstances.
• Open group with occupational mobility.
• Stratified by economic resources.
• Does not hinder democracy or nationalism.

Q13: Describe the types of status in sociology and explain the differences between ascribed and achieved status.
Ans: Ascribed Status:

• Assigned at birth.
• Inherited, not chosen.
• Difficult to change.
• Plays a role in traditional societies.

Achieved Status:

• Attained through merit and effort.
• Based on individual choice.
• Can change with qualifications.
• Important in modern societies.

Q14: Discuss the concept of role conflict and provide examples of how it can affect individuals.
Ans: Role conflict arises when incompatible expectations exist between multiple roles. For instance, a person may struggle to balance their role as a parent and a full-time employee, leading to stress and tension due to conflicting demands.

Q15: Explain the role of social control in maintaining order in society and differentiate between formal and informal means of social control.
Ans: Social control ensures compliance with norms.

Formal Social Control:

• Codified and systematic (e.g., law).
• Relies on formal mechanisms like the state.

Informal Social Control:

• Personal and unofficial.
• Utilizes gestures, expressions, and social norms.
• Includes family, religion, kinship, etc.

Q16: Define and illustrate the concept of sanctions in the context of social control.
Ans: Sanctions are tools used to reinforce expected behavior.

• Positive Sanctions: Reward good behavior.
• Negative Sanctions: Enforce rules and discourage deviance.
• Examples include rewards for punctuality (positive) and penalties for theft (negative).

Q17: What is deviance in sociology, and how does it relate to cultural norms and values? Provide examples.
Ans: Deviance refers to actions that defy societal norms and values. It varies across cultures and time. For instance, a woman choosing an unconventional career like becoming an astronaut may be seen as deviant in some societies but celebrated in others. Deviance challenges and evolves with cultural norms.

Q18: Discuss the impact of deviance on society and individuals, considering both positive and negative aspects.
Ans: Deviance can have various impacts:

• Positive: It challenges established norms, fostering change and innovation. It can lead to social progress and greater inclusivity.
• Negative: Excessive deviance can disrupt social order, leading to conflicts, crime, and instability. It may result in social sanctions or legal consequences.

Q19: Explain the concept of role and role playing in sociology, emphasizing their importance in social interactions.
Ans: Roles are behavioral aspects of status. People perform roles according to societal expectations tied to their status. Role playing is crucial as individuals adapt their behavior to meet these expectations. For example, a child behaves differently in school than at home due to distinct roles and expectations.

Q20: Describe the interplay between status, prestige, and social control, highlighting how these elements shape individuals' behavior within society.
Ans: The interplay between status, prestige, and social control can be balanced through education and awareness campaigns. By promoting equal access to quality education, society can diminish status-related disparities, allowing individuals to compete on merit. Additionally, fostering awareness about diverse forms of prestige, such as social service and intellectual contributions, can reduce the undue emphasis on material wealth. Moreover, implementing just and transparent legal systems ensures that social control is fair and not biased against certain groups, promoting societal harmony. Encouraging empathy and understanding between different status groups can reduce social conflicts. Lastly, promoting social mobility programs and mentorship initiatives can empower individuals to overcome status barriers, fostering a more egalitarian society where people are valued for their abilities and contributions rather than their social standing.